A return to Leicester City in January for exciting attacker Harvey Barnes would not be in his best interests, says West Bromwich Albion technical director Luke Dowling.

The 20-year-old has been a huge hit since joining the Baggies on a season-long loan and his performances led to a first call-up to the England under-21 ranks, but there has been speculation that City were considering recalling him in January to become part of Claude Puel’s first team squad.

Puel himself has not ruled out such a move, but Dowling said there had been no suggestion from City so far that they will recall Barnes in the transfer window.